By: Emmie Twombly
“One should either be a work of art or wear a work of art” and that is exactly what Louise Gray does. Her collection is a definer of her character and spirit. Gray has become known for her maximalist fashion that is over-the-top fun and playful - just like her personality. After meeting her with her bold, cobalt blue eyeliner and minutes of conversation, I was smitten. As a minimalist fashionista myself, I was not sure how I would feel about her collection, but as a vintage lover I could see how she uniquely put together looks, fabrics, prints, detailing and accessories in a way no one would think of on their own. I’m always drawn to a woman with an individualistic taste, well-read and creative- this woman is a force to be reckoned with.
Louise Gray knew her fashion history as we bonded over Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s 1951 Vogue Essay. As an archived piece of history it took me months to get a copy on the three-part essay. I was intrigued that she had seen a copy as I received my research identification card and access due to my connection with the Vice Chair of Vital Voices Board of Directors who had been the chief of the oral history program at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. We talked about everything from how I was introduced to the fashion world- through Diane von Furstenberg, the wrap-dress visionary who used fashion to empower by debuting Vital Voices Artisan’s jewelry during New York Fashion Week where artisans’ are now earning a living wage, providing for their community and families while preserving artistic traditions. Some of Gray’s designs also reminded me of Japanese or African style.
Gray’s combination of multiple prints, patterns and colors extraordinarily makes something wearable and most definitely Louise Gray. Prints were also graphical, floral or just stripes and the color palette included fuchsia, yellow, red, green, black, white, cobalt blue and orange. There is a prevailing spirit of historical and ethnic components. The Scottish-born designer brought a bright, bold feel to her S/S 2012 collection.
Gray also indicated that she wanted to expand her accessories collection. She certainly has help in the shoe department as she’s the wife of Christopher Suarez, partner of shoe genius, Nicholas Kirkwood. You can tell she has a knack for decorating and color. She is an original in an industry that can be filled with knock off’s. She is refreshing and as Coco Chanel, one of her favorite fashion designers has said, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”
Louise Gray
Louise Gray is from Fraserburgh, Scotland. She studied at The Glasgow School of Art in textile design and Central Saint Martins, where she completed her MA. Design collaborations include Cotton USA, Judy Blame, Nicholas Kirkwood, the Smiley Company and Crown Paint. Louise is also sponsored by the Centre for Fashion Enterprise.
What are your hobbies?
Dancing.
How would you like to see your company expand?
I would like to expand in Asia, slow and steadily.
How long does it take you to create a collection?
7-8 weeks.
What have you been reading lately?
Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel. She really transformed the role of a fashion editor.
Have you ever read Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s Vogue Essay?
Actually I have. (My thoughts- “I love this girl.” Hardly anyone has read this essay let alone a British girl!)
Mark my words. She understands fashion- minimalism, maximalism and on a global playing field. She will be injecting color and originality into all of our wardrobes. Her spirit is contagious.
ALl images: Louise Gray S/S12